JP6481683B2 - Electrical control system and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to electrical control systems and methods, and more particularly to electrical control systems and methods for controlling one or more electrical devices such as, for example, lighting fixtures.

  In order to wire an electrical circuit in a standard Australian home with three bedrooms, an electrical cable of 300 m is usually required. If the luminaire is controlled by more than one switch, longer cables are required to route the luminaire circuit. As a result, when an electrician wires a luminaire circuit, it usually takes 60% to 70% longer than all other electrical circuits. In addition, switches often do not have space to safely accommodate more than two cables. In addition, when it becomes necessary to reconfigure existing switches to control different lighting fixtures, for example, when renovating, it is necessary to newly install wiring. However, in order to draw a new wiring, it is necessary to determine a route in the recess of the wall, and it is usually very difficult to draw a new wiring.

  Systems such as the C-BUS (R) system developed by Clipsal, a subsidiary of Schneider Electric (Australia) Pty Ltd, have been developed to conveniently reconfigure and control the luminaire circuit. Furthermore, the C-BUS (registered trademark) system can also be used to control other household electrical devices such as air conditioners, water supply systems, and multimedia systems. In luminaire systems, the C-BUS® system uses a separate Category 5 control cable wired from the center to each switch, providing an inherently secure connection to the switch. Further, the power source is controlled from the center to each lighting fixture. However, since both the power cable and the control cable are routed from the center, fairly long cables are required to route the average house.

  Therefore, there is a need for improved electrical control systems and methods.

  The description of the prior art in this specification constitutes part of common sense in Australia or any other country and region, and the prior art approves in the form of a proposal or suggests in any way Should not be interpreted.

  It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to improve and utilize the above-described prior art and / or to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned inconvenient disadvantages and / or to be an easy-to-use commercial option To consumers.

  In one form, it is not necessary to have only one or a broad form, but the present invention belongs to an electric control system for controlling electric equipment, which is connected in series with a central control unit to form a loop. One or more switching devices, the loop including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the loop communicate with the central controller, and each electrical device One or more electrical circuit parameters are measured at the first end of the loop, and a control code associated with the one or more electrical circuit parameters is transmitted to one or more electrical equipment controllers. An electrical control system comprising one or more electrical equipment controllers that communicate with a device.

  Preferably, the electrical circuit parameter is one or more voltages.

  Preferably, the loop is connected to the central controller.

  Preferably, the loop or the second loop is connected to an electrical equipment controller, wherein the electrical equipment controller measures one or more electrical circuit parameters at a first end of the loop or the second loop, and A signal relating to the electrical circuit parameters is transmitted to the central controller.

  Preferably, each of the one or more voltages is associated with activation of each switch device. Preferably, each of the one or more voltages is measured continuously.

  Preferably, the continuous voltage is measured within a predetermined time.

  Preferably, the system includes a constant current source connected to the first end of the loop. Preferably, the second end of the loop is grounded.

  Preferably, each of the one or more switch devices comprises a resistor. Preferably, the resistor of each of the one or more switch devices is unique. Preferably, the constant current of the constant current source measures one or more voltages at the first end of the loop by inducing a voltage in the loop and passing through a resistor.

  Each switch device includes a momentary single pole double throw switch connected to a resistor. The first state of the single pole double throw switch is normally closed. The resistor is turned on when the single pole double throw switch is in the second state. The second state is activated when the user activates the momentary single pole double throw switch. Furthermore, the resistors can be changed or selected.

  Where appropriate, the control code includes an identification code and / or a function code. Preferably, the identification code is transmitted before the function code. The electrical device controller performs a specified function when the identification code is equal to the electrical device controller code of the electrical device controller. Alternatively, the electric device controller performs a function according to the function code when the identification code is equal to the electric device controller code. In one embodiment, the function code is the same as the identification code.

  Preferably, the loop voltage is an inherently safe low voltage.

  Where appropriate, the electrical equipment is a lighting fixture, wall outlet, fan, home theater system or any suitable electrical equipment.

  In another aspect, the present invention belongs to an electrical control method for controlling electrical equipment, measuring electrical circuit parameters at a first end of a loop including one or more switch devices connected in series, A step of confirming a control code related to the electric circuit parameter, a step of transmitting a control code of one or more electric device controllers, a step of receiving a control code of one or more electric device controllers, and an electric device controller It is an electric control method including the step which controls the control code in the electric equipment connected to.

  Preferably, the electrical circuit parameter is a voltage.

  Preferably, one or more respective voltages are associated with the operation of each switch device.

  Preferably, the one or more voltages are measured within a predetermined time.

  Preferably, the method includes the step of ascertaining a switching code associated with the measured voltage.

  Preferably, the method includes passing current from a constant current source to the loop. Optionally, a constant current is passed through the first end of the loop.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric control system in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system of the central control unit of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the switch device of FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a variable resistor in the switch device of FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the variable resistor in the switch device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical device controller of the system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an electric control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electric device controller of the second embodiment in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The elements of the present invention are illustrated in a detailed summary form with the drawings, but only provide a detailed description necessary to understand the embodiments of the present invention and are obvious to those skilled in the luminaires herein. Does not prevent disclosure of excessive explanation.

  In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc. do not necessarily prescribe a particular position or order described by the adjective, Used only to distinguish and define elements of Words such as “comprise” or “include” are not used to define an element or a sequence of method steps exclusively. Rather, such words only minimally define an element or series of method steps in certain embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that the description is by way of example only, as the invention may be implemented in a variety of ways.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a central control device 200, one or more switch devices 300A, 300B, 300n and one or more electrical device controllers 400A, 400B. Each electric device controller 400A and 400B controls electric devices 500A and 500B such as one or more lighting fixtures. However, it will be appreciated that the system 100 is configured to control a standard power socket, for example, any suitable electrical device 500A, 500B, such as a fan, mood lighting, or home theater system.

  The switch devices 300A and 300B are connected in series to form a loop. Preferably, switch devices 300A and 300B are connected in series using a single core cable. The loop includes a first end 212 and a second end 214, and the loop terminal 212 and terminal 214 are each connected to the central control device 200 for communication. Each of the switch devices 300A and 300B is configured to introduce a resistor peculiar to the loop when activated. As the current passes through the loop, an electrical circuit parameter, such as a specific voltage, is introduced into the loop and measured at the first end 212 of the loop in the central controller 200. The central controller 200 is configured to output a control code to each of the electric device controllers 400A and 400B based on the specific voltage measured at the first end of the loop. If the switching devices 300A and 300B are not activated, the voltage at the first end of the loop 212 is close to zero, and in this case, no control code is transmitted.

  The electric device controllers 400A and 400B control the electric devices 500A and 500B based on the control codes received from the central controller 200, respectively. In one embodiment, the main power supply unit 600A is switched to the main power supply unit 600B connected to each lighting fixture, so that the lighting fixture can be turned on or off. However, it will be appreciated that the electrical device controllers 400A, 400B perform any suitable function based on the control code.

  According to the present invention, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B can be independently connected to the switch devices 300A and 300B. Therefore, since no connection part is required between the switch devices 300A and 300B and the electric devices 500A and 500B, the electric circuit can be more easily installed, and as a result, the required cable is shortened. Further, the electric devices 400A and 400B can be controlled by the switch devices 300A and 300B, and the functions of the switch devices 300A and 300B can be reconfigured in a unified manner.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central controller 200 in the embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, the central controller 200 includes a microprocessor 210, a keypad 220, a display 230, and a constant current source 240. Central controller 200 includes a built-in power supply that is directly connected to main power supply 600A, but can also be powered from other suitable power supplies (not shown) such as standard commercial power supplies.

  Microprocessor 210 may be, for example, a microcontroller, and may be a single component and, in some embodiments, a processor, an oscillator, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 218, a timer, a comparator, and a ROM (Read Only). Memory). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the microprocessor 210 can be assembled by connecting separate components. Program code instructions are stored in RAM and / or ROM.

  As described above, the loop is connected to the central controller 200 at the first end 212 and the second end 214. The first end 212 of the loop is connected to the constant current source 240 and the A / D converter 218, and the second end 214 of the loop is grounded.

  Microprocessor 210 via A / D converter 218 measures the voltage at the first end 212 of the loop. The microprocessor 210 further includes a serial output 216 that transmits a control code to the electrical device controllers 400A, 400B based on the voltage measured at the first end 212 of the loop. However, in one embodiment, the control code is transmitted to the electrical device controllers 400A, 400B using a serial link, so that the control code is transmitted in an appropriate manner, either wired or wireless (eg, Zigbee®). Will be understood.

The keypad 220 and the display 230 are configured such that the system 100 determines which of the switch devices 300A and 300B controls the electric device controllers 400A and 400B or other functions of the electric device controllers 400A and 400B. Used. However, since the central controller 200 is understood to include a communication module (not shown), the system 100 is configured to use a remote computer. For example, the communication module is an appropriate wireless line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) , Serial, Cellular, or the like. The control device 200 can be connected to the Internet to remotely construct the system 100. For example, an application installed on a computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone can be used. Furthermore, the central controller 200 is configured to be controlled by the electric device controllers 400A and 400B being set remotely or by a timer. Further, the central controller 200 is configured to record when the electric device controllers 300A and 300B are activated. This information is used to analyze and confirm whether energy savings have been made.

  The central controller 200 is configured such that one or more switch devices 300A and 300B control one or more electric device controllers 400A and 400B connected to the electric devices 500A and 500B, respectively. In one example, the central controller 200 is configured to control the individual electric device controllers 400A and 400B in which the individual switch devices 300A and 300B are connected to the electric devices 500A and 500B, respectively. In another example, the central controller 200 is configured to control one or more electric device controllers 400A and 400B in which individual switch devices 300A and 300B are connected to the electric devices 500A and 500B. Furthermore, the central control device 200 is used to switch one or more switch devices 300A, 300B to the individual electric equipment controllers 400A, 400B, for example, to switch the lighting fixture circuit in two or three ways. Will be understood. However, it will be understood that other combinations are possible.

  The constant current source 240 supplies a constant current to the first end 212 of the loop and induces a voltage in the loop in proportion to the loop resistance. As the resistance of the loop increases, the voltage drop in the loop increases, so the voltage at the first end 212 of the loop increases. In one embodiment, constant current source 240 provides a current of 500 μA. However, it will be understood that the constant current source 240 is a current that inducts an appropriate voltage in the loop. Preferably, the maximum voltage of constant current source 240 is kept below 48 Vdc so that it is intrinsically safe according to various electrical safety standards.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the switch devices 300A and 300B of FIG. 1 in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, each switch device 300A, 300B includes input units 301A, 301B and output units 302A, 302B, respectively. The switch devices 300A and 300B are connected in series. In one embodiment, the output unit 302A of the first switch device 300A is connected to the input unit 301B of the second switch device 300B. Although two switch devices 300A, 300B are shown, it will be appreciated that any number of switch devices 300n are connected in a loop. For example, the additional switch device 300n is connected between the first switch device 300A and the second switch device 300B. Alternatively, the additional switch device 300n is connected between the central control device 200 and the first switch device 300A or between the central control device 200 and the second switch device 300B.

  In one embodiment, each switch device 300A, 300B includes a single pole double throw switch 310 and a variable resistor 320. However, it will be appreciated that each switch device 300A, 300B includes a fixed resistor that is unique to the respective switch device 300A, 300B in the system 100. It will be appreciated that the components of the switch devices 300A, 300B are small enough to fit behind a standard outlet cover or are incorporated into the switch structure of the single pole double throw switch 310.

  Single pole double throw switch 310 includes a common portion 312, a first position 314 and a second position 316. The common unit 312 is connected to the input units 301A and 301B of the respective switch devices 300A and 300B. Preferably, the single pole double throw switch 310 is a momentary switch and is normally closed at the first position 314 when the single pole double throw switch 310 is opened. As shown in FIG. 3, when the single-pole double-throw switch 310 is in the first (actuated) position 314, the connection between the input units 301A and 301B and the output units 302A and 302B in each switch device 300A and 300B is short-circuited. It is.

  When the user of the switch device 300A, 300B presses the single pole double throw switch 310, the single pole double throw switch 310 moves to the second position 316 as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. When the single-pole double-throw switch 310 moves to the second position 316, the variable resistor 320 (or a fixed specific resistor) is connected to the input unit 301A, 301B and the output unit 302A of each switch device 300A, 300B. Connected between 302B.

  FIG. 4A is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the variable resistor 320 of the switch devices 300A and 300B of FIG. FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the variable resistor 320 of the switch devices 300A and 300B of FIG.

  As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the variable resistor 320 includes eight DIP (Dual In-Line Package) switches 322 and eight count resistors R1 to R8. The switches S1 to S8 of the DIP switch 322 are connected in series, and the resistors R1 to R2 are connected to all the switches S1 to S8. With this configuration, the range of selection for connecting the resistors R1 to R8 in series is expanded.

  4B, the inputs of the switches S1 to S8 of the DIP switch 322 are connected to each other, and the resistors R1 to R8 are connected to the outputs of the switches S1 to S8. Furthermore, since the opposite ends of the resistors R1 to R8 and the switches S1 to S8 are connected to each other, the range of selection for connecting the resistors in parallel is increased.

  Although two embodiments of variable resistor 320 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, it will be appreciated that variable resistor 320 may be constructed using a variety of components. For example, the variable resistor 320 uses a ready-made product or a dial other than the DIP switch. Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, there are 256 combinations of resistors with 8 circuit DIP switches, but those skilled in the art will use individual resistors in many resistors and many DIP switches. You will find that more than 256 combinations are possible.

  The DIP switch 322 has a function of providing a switching code to each switch device 300A, 300B. Since each switch device 300A, 300B constitutes a different resistor, the codes are switched by setting the switches S1 to S8 of each DIP switch 322 to ON (binary “1”) or OFF (binary “0”). Typical values for each resistor R1-R8 and associated switch S1-S8 of the DIP switch 322 are shown in Table 1 below. The value of the resistor is not a standard value, but only selected for unity.

  Resistor values R1-R8 are selected to provide the selected constant current source 240 with an equal voltage width measured at the first end 212 of the loop.

Theoretically, however, the voltage measured at the first end 212 of the loop is constant for a given resistor and current, but the voltage in the loop varies due to variations in resistor values and constant current sources. It will be understood that Thus, the central controller 200 is configured to calculate the corresponding fluctuations and transmit the control code to the electrical device controllers 400A and 400B according to the voltage range measured at the first end 212 of the loop. . Furthermore, to prevent misreading, the central controller 200 is configured to provide an interruption between each continuous voltage range. For example, each switch device 300A, 300B includes 256 discrete values of resistors associated with discrete voltages. Assuming that 256 discrete values are evenly distributed across 48 Vdc, for example, in 256 steps (or switching codes), the voltage increases by 0.1875 Vdc per step. Thus, the voltage is equal to

Number of steps × 0.1875 Vdc (+/− 0.09 Vdc)

Therefore, the first voltage range is as follows.

1 × 0.1875 (+/− 0.04) = 0.0975 Vdc to 0.2775 Vdc

Similarly, the second voltage range is as follows.

2 × 0.1875 (+/− 0.09) = 0.375 (+/− 0.09) = 0.285 Vdc to 0.465 Vdc

Therefore, the range of the difference between the continuous voltages (first and second) is as follows.

0.285Vdc-0.2775 = 0.0075Vdc

  In one embodiment, the central controller 200 is configured to automatically set the voltage range and the gap voltage range. In the present embodiment, the central controller 200 is set to the configuration mode via a GUI (graphical user interface) mounted on the mobile computing device. When the switch devices 300A, 300B are activated, the central controller 200 measures the voltage at the first end 212 of the loop and assigns a voltage range to the automatically activated switch devices 300A, 300B. Furthermore, the central controller 200 issues a warning if the two switch devices 300A, 300B induce the same or similar voltage at the first end 212 of the loop, and changes the switching code or other appropriate adjustment to the user. Encourage you to.

  As shown by variable resistor 320 in FIG. 4A, when all switches S1-S8 are in the off or open position (or binary “0”), all resistors R1-R8 are turned into circuits, and thus variable resistors 320 and loop resistor values would be 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 = 255 kohms or maximum resistance.

  In one embodiment, the first switch device 300A is set to a binary 00000001 (decimal 1) code, so R1 is shorted to S1, and the value of the variable resistor 320 is 0 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 = 254 kohms. Similarly, since the second switch device 300B is set to binary 00000010 (decimal 2) code, R2 is short-circuited to S2, and the value of the variable resistor 320 is 1 + 0 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 = 253 kohms.

  As a further example, if DIP switch 322 is set to a value of 00001111, R1 is shorted to S1, R2 is shorted to S2, R3 is shorted to S3, and R4 is shorted to S4. . Therefore, the value of the variable resistor 320 is 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 = 240 kohms.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electric device controller 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The electrical device controller 400 would be expected to be small enough to fit within the connection of the electrical devices 500A, 500B or within the body of the electrical devices 500A, 500B. For example, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B are housed inside the hooking closet of the lighting hook ceiling or inside the lighting hook ceiling body.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical device controller 400 includes a microprocessor 410, a power supply device 420, a relay 440, and an optional DIP switch 430.

  Microprocessor 410 is similar to microprocessor 210 of central controller 200. The microprocessor 410 is a single component including a processor, an oscillator, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an analog-to-digital conversion controller (AD), a timer, a comparator, and a ROM (Read Only Memory). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the microprocessor 410 can be assembled by connecting separate components. Similar to central controller 200, RAM and / or ROM includes program code instructions that are executed by the processor.

  Microprocessor 410 includes a serial input 412 that receives control codes from central controller 200. However, it will be appreciated that the control code communicates using a suitable wired or wireless communication means such as Zigbee. In addition, the microprocessor 410 includes a driver signal 414 that connects to a relay 440 and an input bus 416 that is connected to an optional DIP switch 430.

  In one embodiment, the DIP switch 430 sets the electrical device controller code for the electrical device controllers 400A, 400B. However, it will be understood that the electrical device controller code is embedded as firmware / software for the electrical device controllers 400A, 400B. The DIP switch 430 is an eight-circuit DIP switch including individual switches SW1 to SW8. Input portions of the switches SW1 to SW8 are connected to input portions of the input bus 416 of the microprocessor 410 and output portions of the grounded switches SW1 to SW8. In one embodiment, SW1 is the least important part and SW8 is the most important part.

  In one embodiment, the switch SW1 is set to on (closed) and the other switches SW2 to SW7 are set to off (open), so the electrical device controller code is 11111110 (decimal 254). Similarly, when the switch S2 is set to ON and the other switches S1, S3 to S8 are set to OFF, the electrical device controller code is 11111101 (decimal 253).

  In one embodiment, the control code includes an identification code. In the present embodiment, the electric devices 400A and 400B execute a predetermined function when the identification code received at the serial input 412 is equal to the electric device controller code. In one embodiment, the identification code is a serial signal that is stored in a buffer by the microprocessor 410 and compared to the electrical device control code.

  The driver signal 414 from the microprocessor 410 is connected to the relay 440 and controlled. In one embodiment, when the identification code is equal to the electric device controller code, the relay 440 controls the live line of the main power supply unit 600B to switch the electric devices 500A and 500B on and off.

  However, since the electric device controllers 400A and 400B in one embodiment switch the main power supply unit 600A on and off, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B generate a pulse in the main power supply unit 600B, and the electric devices 500A and 500B. It is understood that this is a configuration for changing the power to, for example, when the control code is received, the illumination is dimmed.

  Furthermore, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B are configured to execute an additional function based on the control code. In one embodiment, the control code includes an identification code and a function code that are transmitted sequentially. The identification code is transmitted before the function code. When the identification code is received by the electric device controllers 400A and 400B, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B compare the identification code and the electric device controller code. If the identification code is equal to the electrical device controller code, the electrical device controllers 400A, 400B determine whether one or more function codes have been transmitted within a predetermined time, for example, whether the identification code has been transmitted in 500 ms. When one or more function codes are received, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B perform one or more functions based on the function codes.

In one embodiment, the function code is the same as the identification code and controls, for example, a fan.
In this case, the user can change the fan speed by pressing the same switch device 300A, 300B several times in succession. For example, when the user presses the switch devices 300A and 300B once, the fan is turned on, and when the user presses the switch devices 300A and 300B twice within a predetermined time, the fan speed can be changed.

  However, in one embodiment, the same switch devices 300A, 300B operate within a predetermined time, so that different switch devices 300A, 300B operate within a predetermined time to change the fan speed or perform other functions. You will understand that. For example, if the first switch device is activated following the second switch device, the first speed is activated. Actuating the first switch device following the third switch device activates the second speed, and actuating the first switch device following the fourth switch device activates the third speed.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the first electrical equipment controller 400A is configured to control the temperature stage of the heating wire heater. The electric device controller 400A is connected to the heating wire heater through, for example, an outlet. In the present embodiment, two switch devices 300A and 300B are used. The first switch device 300A induces a first voltage in the loop when activated and is measured at the first end 212 of the loop. The second switching device 300B induces a second voltage in the loop when activated and is measured at the first end 212 of the loop. The central control device 200 is configured to transmit a first control code to all the electric device controllers 400A and 400B in accordance with the first voltage when the first switch device 300A operates. Further, the central control device 200A is configured to transmit the second control code to all the electric device controllers 400A and 400B in accordance with the second voltage when the second switch device 300B operates.

  The first control code includes an identification code subsequent to the first function code within a predetermined time, and the second control code includes an identification code subsequent to the second function code within the predetermined time. In response, the electric device controller 400A determines whether the identification code is equal to the electric device controller code of the first electric device controller 400A. When the electric device controller code is equal to the identification code, the first electric device controller 400A determines whether the function code is transmitted within a predetermined time. If equal, the first electric device controller 400A is configured to increase the temperature stage of the heating wire heater according to the first function code, and the first electric device controller 400A is set to be the heating wire heater according to the second function code. The temperature stage is lowered.

  In another embodiment, each electrical device controller 400A, 400B further includes an electroacoustic device (not shown) such as a piezoelectric buzzer or a speaker, and is connected to the microprocessor 410 of the electrical device controller 400A, 400B. The electroacoustic apparatus can track the electric device controllers 400A and 400B required by the user. In order to track the electrical equipment controllers 400A, 400B, the central controller 200 transmits the identification codes of the required electrical equipment controllers 400A, 400B, and then the required electrical equipment controllers 400A, 400B are electroacoustic devices. Is configured to transmit a function code instructing to emit sound. For example, the central control device 200 transmits the identification codes of the required electric device controllers 400A and 400B, and then the required electric device controllers 400A and 400B are connected to the central control device 200 through an interface. The function code for instructing the smoke alarm to emit an alarm sound is transmitted.

  In one embodiment, the power supply 420 utilizes a parasitic method that draws power to the central controller 200 from the serial input 412 connected to the microprocessor 410 to transfer power to the microprocessor 410. In the exemplary embodiment, the parasitic voltage charges capacitor C and the voltage is regulated by zener diode ZD. Diode D prevents reverse voltage entering the serial input 412, which is also connected to the microprocessor 410. The electric device controllers 400A and 400B further include a power supply device (not shown) connected to the main power supply unit 600A to supply electric power to the electric device controllers 400A and 400B.

  In another embodiment, the central controller 200 and / or the electric device controllers 300A and 300B are configured to switch on and off the connected electric devices 500A and 500B when power is restored after a power failure. For example, the central controller 200 and / or the electric device controllers 300A and 300B are configured to switch on an electric device configured as an emergency light. In other embodiments, the central controller 200 and / or the electrical equipment controllers 300A, 300B may energize the refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner for a period of time when the power supply is damaged due to power quality problems, or during heavy thunderstorms. It is a configuration to prevent.

  In other embodiments, the electrical device controllers 300A, 300B are switched using a remote control. In the present embodiment, the electric device controllers 300A and 300B include a wireless receiver. The electric device controllers 300A and 300B control the electric devices 500A and 500B, respectively, according to signals received from the wireless receiver by remote control. For example, the lighting fixture is switched on or off.

  In use, an electrician connects the system 100 as shown in the block diagram of FIG. The central controller 200 is arranged at an appropriate position in the building. The switch devices 300A and 300B are connected in series to form a loop, and the end of each loop is connected to the central control device 200. Further, each switch device 300A, 300B has a unique switching code.

  Similarly, each electrical device controller 400A, 400B has a unique electrical device controller code, and the serial inputs 412A, 412B are connected to the serial output 216 of the central controller 200. The serial inputs 412A and 412B are connected in a daisy chain. For example, the serial input 412A of the first electrical device controller 400A is connected to the serial input 412B of the second electrical device controller 400B or another electrical device controller in the circuit.

  Next, the central control device 200 is configured to associate each measurement voltage with a control code. The control code is transmitted to all the electric device controllers 400A and 400B, and controls the electric devices 500A and 500B based on the control code.

  In another embodiment, the communication between the central controller 200 and each of the electric device controllers 400A and 400B is bidirectional. As a result, the central controller 200 identifies the status information of all the electrical device controllers 400A and 400B, and provides the status information to the user via the remote computer of the central controller 200 or the graphical user interface of the screen (not shown). provide.

  The central controller 200 is also configured to run applications manufactured by third parties such as detection and proximity functions. Firmware manufactured by a third party that runs the central controller 200 includes a product activation key that a user purchases from a third party application provider.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the electric control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step 610, the central controller 200 measures one or more voltages at the first end of the loop, and the loop includes one or more switch devices 300A, 300B connected in series. In step 620, the central controller 200 determines a control code associated with one or more voltages, and in step 630, the central controller 200 transmits one or more electrical device controllers 400A, 400B. . In step 640, one or more electrical device controllers 400A, 400B receive the control code. Finally, in step 650, the electric device controllers 400A and 400B control the electric devices 500A and 500B connected to the electric device controllers 400A and 400B based on the control code.

  In other embodiments, the one or more electrical equipment controllers can further extend the loop of FIG. 1 by including a constant current source (CCS) for connection to the second loop. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the electric device controller 700 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second loop includes a plurality of switch devices 300C and 300D connected in series. However, it will be understood that only two switch devices 300C, 300D are connected in series, but many switch devices are connected.

  The electrical device controller 700 is similar to the electrical device controller 400 of FIG. 5 and includes a microprocessor 710, a power supply 720, a relay 740, and optionally a DIP switch 730 connected to the input bus 716 of the microprocessor 710. The second loop includes a first end 702 and a second end 704. The first end 702 of the second loop is connected to a constant current source 750 and an A / D converter (ADC) 718 of the microprocessor 718. The second end 704 of the second loop is connected to the ground 706. The microprocessor 710 measures the voltage at the first end 702 of the second loop and centralizes it via the serial input / output 712 (or appropriate connection) based on the measured voltage associated with the switch devices 300C, 300D. A signal is transmitted to the control device 200. The signal is transmitted to the central control device 200, and the central control device 200 is configured to output a control code to each of the electrical device controllers 400A and 400B based on the signal, and thus measured at the first end 702 of the second loop. Constitute a specific voltage.

In summary, the electrical control system and method provide the following advantages in some embodiments:
(1) The cable required for wiring the lighting fixture circuit is shortened. It makes it easier to install an electrical circuit as it eliminates the need to install operational switch wiring or multi-strip cables in the wall depressions or return long multi-core cable extensions to the center.
(2) Since the intrinsically safe single-core cable is wired to each switch device, the required cable is still shorter than the prior art system. Furthermore, connection with a switch is not difficult if there are a plurality of cables.
(3) The time required to wire the luminaire circuit is reduced. This is because the main power is not a switch but a wiring only for the lighting fixture. (4) The loop uses a simple analog signal.
(5) The switch device can be easily reconfigured to control different electrical devices or multiple electrical devices.
(6) The switch device is intrinsically safe.
(7) The system is configured to be able to control a single electrical device such as a lighting fixture and a composite electrical device such as a watering system, a cooling and heating electrical device, a home theater, and mood lighting.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for the purpose of illustrating those skilled in the art.
The invention is not intended to be definitive and limiting as the only disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, although several alternative embodiments have been specifically discussed, other embodiments can be readily apparent or relatively simple to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification includes all changes, modifications, and variations in the invention discussed herein and other embodiments that describe the invention within the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

A central control unit;
One or more switch devices connected in series with the central controller to form a loop with a first end and a second end ;
One or more electrical device controllers in communication with the central controller ;
A constant current source connected to the first end of the loop; and the second end of the loop grounded;
With
The first end and the second end of the loop communicate with the central controller;
The central controller is configured to measure one or more electrical circuit parameters at the first end of the loop;
The central controller is configured to associate a respective electrical circuit parameter with a control code and to transmit the control code to one or more of the electrical device controllers. Electric control system. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more electrical circuit parameters are one or more voltages.   The system of claim 2, wherein each one or more of the voltages is associated with operation of a respective switch device.   The system of claim 3, wherein one or more of the voltages are measured continuously.   The system of claim 4, wherein the continuous voltage is measured within a predetermined time. Each said switch device comprises a resistor ,
The system of claim 1, wherein each switch device is configured to connect the resistor in the loop when activated . Claims constant current of the constant current source through said resistor, a voltage is induced in said loop, characterized in that each one or more of the voltage is measured at said first end of said loop 6. The system according to 6 . Each switch device comprises a single pole double throw switch connected to the resistor ,
Each switch device has a common part, a first position, and a second position,
When the single-pole double-throw switch is closed to the first position side, the input unit and the output unit of the switch device are short-circuited,
When the single pole double throw switch is closed the second position, to claim 6, wherein said <br/> that resistors are connected between the input portion and the output portion of the switch device Described system 9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the single pole double throw switch is normally closed to the first position side .   The system of claim 1, wherein the control code comprises an identification code and / or a function code. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the identification code is transmitted before the function code. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the function code and the identification code are the same. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage of said loop is a safe low voltage. Connecting the first end of the loop to a constant current source and grounding the second end of the loop;
Measuring one or more electrical circuit parameters in the first end of the loop comprises one or more switch devices connected to the central control unit in series,
Associating a control code to one or more of the electrical circuit parameters,
And transmitting the control codes to the one or more electrical appliance controller,
An electric control method for controlling an electric device, comprising: The method of claim 14 , wherein the one or more electrical circuit parameters are one or more voltages. 16. The method of claim 15 , wherein one or more of each voltage is associated with operation of each switch device.

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